In a stunning turn of events, Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has announced her retirement from competitive breaking following the intense backlash she experienced after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The university lecturer, who became an overnight sensation for all the wrong reasons, has decided to hang up her dancing shoes and step away from the battle stage for good.
A Paris Performance to Forget
Gunn’s Olympic debut was one she’d likely rather forget. The 37-year-old lost all three of her round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0 when breaking made its first appearance at the Place de la Concorde. Her signature kangaroo bounce move failed to impress the judges and audience alike, leading to a wave of online mockery and criticism.
Signature Move Becomes a Liability
Raygun’s trademark kangaroo bounce, once a crowd-pleaser, quickly became a target for ridicule. Social media users and mainstream media outlets alike took aim at everything from her dance moves to her green official team kit. The onslaught of negative attention proved too much for the breakdancer to bear.
I’m not going to compete anymore, no. I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now to approach a battle.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, in an interview with 2DayFM
Breaking Dropped from 2028 Olympics
Adding insult to injury, breaking has been dropped from the Olympic program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This decision came as a blow to the breaking community, who had celebrated the dance style’s inclusion in the Paris Games as a major milestone. Now, with one of its most prominent athletes stepping away from competition, the future of Olympic breaking looks uncertain.
Conspiracy Theories and Controversies
Gunn’s Olympic journey was marred by controversy from the start. An online petition accusing her of manipulating the qualification procedure to earn her Paris spot garnered 50,000 signatures before being removed at the request of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). The AOC also refuted claims that Gunn’s husband and coach, Samuel Free, was involved in her selection.
The conspiracy theories were totally wild. But I just try and stay on the positives and that’s what gets me through.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, addressing the controversies surrounding her Olympic selection
Finding Solace in Supporters
Despite the torrent of negativity, Gunn has found comfort in the words of her supporters. Many fans have reached out to express their admiration for her courage and willingness to put herself out there on the world’s biggest stage. These messages of encouragement have helped the embattled breakdancer maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
The people that have like (said), ‘You have inspired me to go out there and do something that I’ve been too shy to do. You’ve brought joy, you’ve brought laughter. You know, we’re so proud of you.’
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, on the support she’s received from fans
A New Chapter Begins
As Rachael “Raygun” Gunn closes the book on her competitive breaking career, she embarks on a new chapter in her life. While she may no longer grace the battle stage, her love for dancing remains intact. Gunn has revealed that she still breaks and dances in the privacy of her living room with her partner, finding joy in the art form without the pressure of competition.
The legacy of Raygun’s Olympic performance and subsequent retirement will likely be debated for years to come. Some may see her as a cautionary tale, while others will admire her bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Regardless of one’s perspective, there’s no denying that Rachael Gunn’s story has left an indelible mark on the world of competitive breaking and the Olympic movement as a whole.
As the breaking community looks to the future, it must grapple with the challenges posed by the Olympics’ decision to drop the dance style from the 2028 program. The loss of Raygun as a competitor only compounds these difficulties. However, if there’s one thing that breakdancers are known for, it’s their ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome. Just as Rachael Gunn has found a way to move forward after her Olympic ordeal, the breaking world will undoubtedly find its footing and continue to thrive, with or without the Olympic stage.
